Star Wars: The Force Awakens [2015] ★★★½

Fans can relax, the real “Star Wars” finally returns to the big screen in “The Force Awakens”, a burst of pure filmmaking exhilaration that manages to pay tribute to the original trilogy and still boldly add new elements that will make fans of the series jump for joy. I couldn’t be happier. After six movies, an animated series and millions of merchandises sold around the world, the franchise has been milked so hard, it’s a wonder there was still “new hope” for a new trilogy. So how does this newbie break the sequel jinx? By plugging in livewire J.J. Abrams, a director of style and substance (“Star Trek”, “Cloverfield”, “Lost”), who fuels this fresh story with killer action, bracing wit and a sense of true rediscovery. You heard me. This is Star Wars like you clearly remember it from the 1977 original and its amazing sequels. Georges Lucas may have ruined the series for many people with his forgettable prequels, but this is a return in form for one of the most beloved franchises of all time. In terms of plot, I’ll say absolutely nothing. But you should know that all the returning actors come up aces, from Harrison Ford as Han Solo to Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. And major props to Adam Driver for giving us a Kylo Ren to remember (Darth Vader would have been proud). I know I know: Spoilers would cause me more trouble than an army of Stormtroopers. One hint: prepare to feel like a kid again. Kudos to Abrams for going bigger without going stupid. His 2009 “Star Trek” reboot proved the naysayers wrong. And now Abrams boldly goes into “Star Wars” and crushes it again. Forget the prequels. “The Force Awakens” is the Star Wars movie we all deserve.